ATR 72

The ATR 72 is a twin-engine regional turboprop developed from the shorter ATR 42. It is optimised for short sectors, modest runways and markets where fuel-efficient regional capacity matters more than jet speed.^{[1]ATR 72-600ATR · atr-aircraft.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details}

Specifications

The principal family-level specifications are shown in the information panel. Values vary by variant, cabin, engine and operating rules; the linked manufacturer material is the controlling reference.

Development history

ATR stretched the ATR 42, increased power and revised the wing to create the ATR 72. The prototype flew in 1988 and Finnair introduced the type in 1989. The -500 and current -600 generations added more powerful engines, updated propellers, avionics and cabin changes.^{[1]ATR 72-600ATR · atr-aircraft.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details}

Variants

Early aircraft are grouped as the -100/-200 series, followed by the -500 and current -600. The -600F is a factory-built freighter; many earlier passenger aircraft have also been converted.

Current and former operators

Current operators include IndiGo, Wings Air, Azul, Air New Zealand, Air Serbia and numerous regional carriers. Former operators include American Eagle, Alitalia, Olympic Aviation and Flybe.

Engines

All variants use Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprops: PW124-series engines on early aircraft and PW127-series engines on later versions, including the PW127XT on current production.

Orders and deliveries

ATR reported 60 gross company orders and 32 deliveries in 2025, with a backlog above 160 aircraft; those company figures include both ATR 42 and ATR 72 models and should not be misread as type-only totals.^{[2]ATR reports 2025 demand and deliveriesATR · atr-aircraft.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details}

Accidents and incidents

Selected accidents include American Eagle Flight 4184 in 1994. The NTSB found that icing and the resulting aileron behaviour led to an uncommanded roll and loss of control.^{[3]American Eagle Flight 4184 accident reportNational Transportation Safety Board · ntsb.gov · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details}

Compare with

Direct primary sources

ATR 72-600 — ATR
ATR reports 2025 demand and deliveries — ATR
American Eagle Flight 4184 accident report — National Transportation Safety Board